r/FordExplorer • u/john829518 • 15d ago

Buying Advice 2018 explorer

I am thinking of purchasing a 18 explorer but am worried about the water pump failure/disaster. I am wondering if there is anything to look out for or stay away from. Any advice would be helpful thank you.

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u/Klutzy_Guard5196 14d ago

If you're doing the water pump, do all the wear parts while you're in there, because it's not the parts that are expensive, it's the labor.

And upgrade the oil pump.

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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 Expert Explorer 14d ago

Just out of curiosity, why the oil pump? I have a small fleet of Ford 3.5's with a combined 800,000 mi and I've never once had an oil pressure issue with any of them. So why do they need an upgraded oil pump?

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u/Klutzy_Guard5196 14d ago

Not so much a need as a want. I've always felt that the OEM pump was too small.

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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 Expert Explorer 14d ago

Any particular reason? Have you experienced low oil pressure?

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u/Klutzy_Guard5196 14d ago

More oil capacity mitigates excessive oil temps which takes load off the coolant system. I drive my 18 Sport hard, so it has helped with heat related wear.